You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)
Here is a great word of encouragement set before us today! The same grace that saves us is the grace that strengthens us and ultimately sanctifies us and carries us all the way into glory. And know this truth: When Jesus gives out His grace, He is never diminished because of it, for He is the fountainhead that flows with inexhaustible, eternal rivers of grace.
Consider the depths of the meaning of the words strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Is it not the grace that continually forgives you? Is it not the grace that systematically sanctifies you by conforming you more and more into the image of the Son? It is not the grace that lifts you out of the depths of despair? Is it not the grace that empowers you in persecution? Is it not the grace that secures you in the storms of life? Is it not the grace that preserves you from beginning to end? Is it not the grace that grows you in understanding who your God truly is and what He has called you to do for His glory and the good of others? Surely we will never plumb the depths of all that our Lord’s grace does in us and for us!
God’s grace is as unfailing as it is unalterable, and it is available for all those who are in Christ. As the branch receives nutrients to grow from the trunk of the tree, so too does the Christian who is connected to Jesus Christ by grace through faith. You don’t need to ask for it; you don’t need to hope for it. This grace simply, faithfully flows from the Head to the body, strengthening you for the work God has given to you. The more you recognize this truth, the more you will rest in the power of it.
I don’t know where this message finds you today, so let me simply encourage you that this amazing grace has come to you as a gift and it can never be taken away, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). Jesus purchased this grace on the cross with His precious blood, drinking the full cup of God’s wrath on our behalf, and He makes His grace available for all who are willing to trust in Him alone. Remember, Christian, grace is growing you and it will not stop until you are full mature and perfected in Christ, because He who began this good work in grace has promised to complete it in grace. You have His Word on that truth.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 